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D. E. Shaw Venture Group

No New Investments Warning:
Members have submitted information that the following organization(s) may not be making investments into new portfolio companies. This warning can be contested by submitting proof of a completed investment in a new portfolio company within the last four weeks here.

Posted by
chromium12
on 2010-10-22

PUBLIC:

I have never had a short meeting with a VC. Literally every scheduled 45 minute introductory meeting I have ever been on has lasted 75 minutes and the conversation has always progressed very naturally. D.E. Shaw and Alex are the one exception. He didn't say anything and rather than talk in circles I ultimately decided to just not say anything. The meeting turned into a staring competition with numerous 30+ second periods of silence.

Not sure about one of their partners (not listed here). He behaves very unethically. Bad terms (very unreasonable), bad communication, just very slimy. Tells you everything that you want to hear upfront, then does almost exactly the opposite of what was planned. Be VERY careful. Go to a real VC fund first if you need money.

Posted by
funnyguy
on 2007-11-01

PUBLIC:

Having been in the raising money business for a long time and having raised a lot of silicon valley money, I can truly attest to the unique value that Andre Turenne brings to an entrepreneur and startup company. Unlike many VCs in the valley, who feel their wealth somehow gives them the intellect and ability to make better decisions than the management teams they invest in, Andre has a collaborative approach to investing. Indeed, while most VCs say they invest in people, many VCs translate that into "we get rid of management and invest in our people". Now, don't get me wrong, there are plenty of times this is necessary (and unfortunate for the entrepreneur), but there are many times when it is unnecessary and distructive.

Andre truly tries to work with the team and investors to build success and when times get rough, while most VCs blame and run, Andre stays and works harder. That's a true partner to an entrepreneur. His work ethic and commitment are first class. I would recommend him to any entrepreneur looking for a great board member and investor.

I had a really positive experience working with Andre Turenne for four years when he was at his last venture firm, before he left for D.E. Shaw. He lead the original recap round for the company that I had just joined as CEO, so we basically took it on together. For those four years, he was very supportive, passionate about what our company did, and helped us through many mine fields.

Andre is smart, experienced, and willing to contribute. He is "entrepreneur friendly" which means he won't waste your time with trivia, but engages in meaningful ways to help you and the company.

Given he is helping build up D. E. Shaw's venture arm, this might be a good chance for a start-up seeking investment and a strong board member to get both in one package.